Page 4 of The Long Way Home
The room around me begins to shift. The murmur of voices rise as the catering staff begins to serve dinner. People take their seats. The night is moving forward, whether I’m ready or not. All I have to do is avoid Rhett. That’s totally doable, right?
“I’m just going to grab another drink,” I say, rising from my chair. “It’s been a long day, and I could use a refill.”
I weave through the crowd, finally making my way to the outside patio bar. I finally relax once the noise of laughter and music feels distant, like it’s happening somewhere else. I set my glass down on the counter, needing a moment to breathe.
“Rachel?”
I startle slightly and glance to my left. Emily, another bridesmaid, is standing there with a cocktail menu in hand. Her brow is furrowed, concern in her eyes.
“Hey… are you okay? You look a little off.”
I force a small smile, shaking my head. “I’m fine. Really. I just saw someone I didn’t expect to see. Where is John?”
Emily raises an eyebrow, but she doesn’t press. “John’s inside talking with Julie’s boyfriend. I’m on drink duty.”
I must look distracted because she tries again. “Like an ex?”
I bite the inside of my cheek and grip my glass tighter. “Oh, uh, no. Nothing like that. Just someone I’m surprised is here. That’s all,” I murmur, keeping my voice light. “It’s nothing. I just needed a minute and a new drink.”
It has been years. Too many. Three or four, maybe?
I think the last time I saw Rhett was at Josh’s funeral.
Actually, I think I saw him a couple of times after that day, but that part of my life was a blur. He had a life to return to. A job. Responsibilities. Higher priorities. He left town while the rest of us stayed behind in the wreckage.
He thought there was nothing left for him here after his best friend died. Even though I was here. Even though I needed him. I didn’t just lose my brother that day. I lost all of them in some shape or another.
And now, suddenly, he is back. For years, I’ve told myself not to be angry. People grieve differently, I know that. Some leave. I’ve tried to let it go, to make peace with the silence he left behind. But seeing him now brings it all rushing back. The aching questions, the empty space he carved out when he left. I can’t help but let the anger seep into my bones.
To top it all off, he is still painfully attractive. I’m not sure why I was delusional enough to think one day he would stop being annoyingly handsome. But the suit he is wearing definitely doesn’t swing anything in my favor.
“Do you know what you want to order?” Emily asks.
“Uh, no. Can I look at that?” I ask, pointing to the cocktail menu in her hands.
“Sure.” She hands it over and turns to speak with the bartender.
I glance down at the menu, but the letters blur. My thoughts scatter while my fingers drum lightly against the counter.
Emily thanks the bartender and turns to me with a smile. “I’ll be back inside. Come find me later so we can dance the night away?”
“Absolutely.” I give her a polite smile in return and turn back to the bar. I am determined to survive this night.
“Can I get a vodka soda?” I ask the bartender, trying to focus on something tangible.
“Sure thing.” The bartender turns and grabs the vodka.
“Do you have a lemon?” I ask. I know it’s a stretch, but it’s my favorite part of a vodka soda—a tiny pinch of brightness to cut through the bite.
He looks around the bar but comes up short. “Doesn’t look like it, sorry.”
I smile politely anyway. “No problem, thanks anyway.”
I take my drink and walk toward the rail, letting the cool night air brush against my face. The view of Atlanta’s downtown sprawls before me, glittering lights reflected in the glassy surface of the river. It is breathtaking, and for a second, the world seems vast enough to swallow my panic.
Rhett had to know I’d be here. This is Margo’s wedding after all. I’m her Maid of Honor and best friend. There is no version of this night that didn’t include me. He would have to be stupid to think anything different.
Did he really think he could get through it without seeing me?
